A COMPARISON BETWEEN GERMAN AND NORTH AMERICAN TIDAL INLETS

Reinhard Dieckmann, Manuela Osterthun, Hans Werner Partenscky

Abstract

Initial results are presented relating to an investigation of geomorphological parameters from 26 of a total of 28 tidal inlets and 11 coastal structures similar to inlets along the German Bight. The following parameters were investigated: - tidal prism - inlet area relationship, - cross-sectional form and depth, - location of the channel within the cross-section, - ebb tidal deltas and - the structures of the back barrier regions. The most important parameter governing the shaping process of these coastal structures is considered to be the tidal volume. The results of the investigations were compared with data from American publications. Despite the differences between the regions studied, in overall terms, surprizingly good agreement was obtained between the parameters investigated. Notable differences exist only in relation to the morphological structure of the back barrier regions (tidal flats, salt marshes, open water lagoons). In respect of the latter differences, a short account is given of the biological and climatological influencing factors.